Our son, Joseph Peter, was born November 16, 2010. We were excited to be having a boy after three beautiful daughters. I was 41 at that time and we had gone through the testing for advanced maternal aging and it all seemed to be fine. The birth was a bit rough but quick! First, we noticed his bright red hair and very long eye lashes! He was pretty squished up from the birth so it was hard to tell who he looked after, especially with the red hair that didn't seem to take after anyone in our family. After about eight hours, there were some signs that Joseph wasn't breathing 100%, so he was taken for an exam. After more than an hour, and visitors waiting to catch the first glimpse, a physician entered our room and handed us a piece of paper with Down syndrome at the top. My husband and I will never forget that moment, as it changed us forever. Our little Joey was aspirating liquids so his lungs were not clear. He spent more than three weeks in the NICU, and his hair kept growing into a natural Mohawk. The nurses referred to him as Chicken Little. He was the first baby you would see walking into the NICU and I noticed it was hard for anyone entering not to stop by and smile at him and that red hair! I fell in love (deeply and unconditionally) as the days went on in the NICU. He is healthy today, loves cars, kicking balls and dancing with his sisters. I can't imagine life without our Chicken Little!

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Alyssa Beverick,
United States,
OH
1/29/2013 10:10:16 PM
Joey is the most adorable and sweet natured little boy and couldn't have been born to a more wonderful family :) Best of luck Ruffles! We hope your story wins!!